Along with its needed effects, chlorhexidine topical (the active ingredient contained in ChloraPrep One-Step) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking chlorhexidine topical:

Incidence Not Known

Blistering, burning, itching, peeling, skin rash, redness, swelling, or other signs of irritation on the skin

Hypersensitivity

Ocular

Frequency not reported: Irreversible corneal damage, irritation to the conjunctiva[Ref]

Exposure of the eye to chlorhexidine cleanser, generally during preparation for facial surgery, has resulted in eye pain, edema of the epithelium, keratitis, inflammation of the conjunctiva, corneal epithelial cell loss, chronic corneal ulcers, and opacification. Corneal transplantation to correct permanent damage has been required in some patients.

Allergic conjunctivitis is rarely associated with the use of contact lens solutions which contain low concentrations of chlorhexidine as a preservative.[Ref]